Simon Cowell 'annoyed' with Liam Payne for signing with rival record label

Simon Cowell has admitted he was annoyed with Liam Payne for signing with a rival record label.

Payne last month announced he was turning his back on Sony and signing with Capitol.

The music mogul said Payne’s decision could have been sparked by Harry Styles’ solo deal with Sony.

“It is a bit annoying if I am honest with you – mainly because it is a another label who has now got your artist who you worked with for so many years,” Cowell told The Sun.

“But that is the music business, unfortunately. I don’t think anyone else from the band will do that.”

Cowell said he was shocked by Payne’s decision as the pair had enjoyed lengthy conversations about his solo career.

“We had spoken a lot – him and I – about what he wanted to do next,” he said.

“But I guess he read about Harry’s deal and thought we weren’t interested.

“My impression was that he wasn’t in any hurry to make a record because he discussed this last year. He was more into songwriting.

“I was teasing him saying: ‘If you come up with a great song Liam make sure it is for you and don’t give it away. When you’re ready I am ready.’

“So I was a bit surprised. Of course there is a part of you that goes: ‘Maybe we should have had the conversation.’ That maybe is my fault but it has happened now.”

Cowell said he is “confident” that Niall Horan will sign with Sony and said he does not want to see Louis Tomlinson join The Voice after he failed to make the X Factor judging panel.

Cowell’s admission comes weeks after he appeared to suggest that Payne is disloyal as he opened up about the One Direction boys.

Speaking on America's Got Talent he said: "We're in touch with them all. The great thing about all these boys - well not all of them but most of them - they are incredibly loyal and you don't always expect that. Niall, Harry, Louis – amazing.”

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